(The Center Square) – Republican lawmakers are criticizing remarks made by Del. Dan Helmer after the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the commonwealth’s congressional redistricting referendum.
The criticism centers on comments Helmer made to Virginia Scope following the court’s ruling earlier this month.
“The reality is that we expected the Supreme Court of Virginia to respect the constitution and the will of the people,” Helmer told Virginia Scope. “They did not.”
Helmer later added: “We will make sure that Justice Kelsey does not serve anymore come this January.”
Justice Arthur Kelsey authored the majority opinion that invalidated the referendum. His current 12-year term on the Virginia Supreme Court is scheduled to expire in January 2027, when the General Assembly could vote on whether to reappoint him.
House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore responded to the remarks in a statement.
“The Supreme Court of Virginia upheld the rule of law and respected the Constitution,” Kilgore said. “Disagreeing with a decision is one thing, but undermining the legitimacy of our judicial system because you don’t like the outcome is another. Our courts are not political tools for either party — and Virginians expect leaders to respect that.”
Senate Republican Leader Ryan McDougle also criticized the comments, saying lawmakers have a responsibility to protect judicial independence regardless of party.
“When a politician loses in court and responds by threatening the very institution that ruled against him, every Virginian, regardless of party, should be alarmed,” McDougle said in a Senate Republican Caucus statement.
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that lawmakers violated constitutional requirements by advancing the amendment after early voting had already begun.
The ruling halted plans to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts ahead of the 2026 election cycle and disrupted campaign plans for several candidates who had prepared to run under the proposed maps.
Virginia Scope also reported that Helmer called for broader reforms to Virginia’s judicial system, including possible term limits, an enforceable ethics code and changes to the judicial appointment process.
Virginia and South Carolina are the only states where legislatures elect state supreme court judges, giving Virginia lawmakers direct authority over judicial appointments and reappointments.
Helmer did not immediately respond to The Center Square’s request for comment Thursday.
